Okay. Let's define keyframing:
Working with keyframes allows you to set different intensities of the same effect onto a scene. And the transition from one value of the effect to the next value is done gradually. For instance you can start your shot in sepia color tone which then transitions to black and white and ends in full saturated color.

With keyframes, you're not limited to just one effect for a particluar scene. You can animate the position, the size, the blur, the slow motion, etc. - all on one single scene.

If keyframing works with time stamps, alpha masks work with areas. So with an alpha mask you can make your effect appear only in certain areas of your shot - while defining the shape through which the effect will show (a disk, a star, a polygon, etc). With masks you can overlay different media objects onto each other as well - and define the shape through which each one will show. In short, alpha masks are like keyframes for space/area.

I guess it's obvious why I say these two tools can greatly enhance your videos if you know how to use them. They are the bread and butter of any video editor who likes to combine effects.

Here are two video tutorials from PDToots - an awesome YouTube channel with PowerDirector tutorials.

Keyframes and Speed

Cropping and Keyframes

And this the official tutorial from CyberLink's YouTube account:

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Video transcript:

In PowerDirector keyframes are used to custom set the individual parameters of a wide variety of tools including effects, enhancements, motion and particles.

Effects Room

Let's take a look at how keyframes work in the Effects Room. For this demonstration we'll choose the Focus effect and drag it down into the Effects Track. Then, click on Modify. And then on the Keyframes tab.

On the lefts side of the Effect Settings window we see the available parameters that enable you to customize the Focus effect. The right side is where we apply the keyframes for these parameters.

At the Background Keyframe, let's change the color to white. No we can move the scrubber further down the timeline. And by simply adjusting the slider at each parameter, a new keyframe is generated.

You can now repeat these adjustments for each of the other parameters. And by clicking on the Background and Position diamonds, this will duplicate the settings of the previous keyframe. So now e have a Focus effect that's customized to our desired parameters.

To maintain these settings, for a specific duration, move the scrubber to a new position that reflects that desired duration. Then simply click on each parameters' diamond to duplicate the previous keyframe setting.

By using keyframes, you can also change the effect's position. Or re-size it. Or give it motion. Your customizing options are virtually limitless.

Though in this example we've only demonstrated the Focus effects, the same basic principles applies to all of the effects in the PowerDirector Effects Room.

Power Tools

Now let's take a look at applying keyframes to the Video Crop tool in the Power Tools window.

In the Cropping Video window you will see: the keyframe controls, a working screen and a small preview screen. And by applying keyframes we can now isolate a portion of the video clip. Or apply zooming and panning to a static video.

With the scrubber at the first keyframe, crop out a portion or an area of the video clip. Now move the scrubber to the last keyframe and re-position the crop. Perhaps we want to further modify our path. To do this, move the scrubber, add another keyframe and again, re-position the crop.

During the course of our pan and zoom, we may want to hold or pause on a crop position for a specific duration. Simply move the scrubber for the desired duration and click on the double diamond tab. In the drop down menu, choose Duplicate Previous Keyframe.

Your pan and zoom will now hold its position for the duration between the duplicate keyframes. Click OK and exit the Power Tools window.

Particle Effects

In PowerDirector a keyframe option is now available in the Particle Designer Room.

With a particle effect in the timelines, click on Modify to open Particle Designer. Highlight a particle and click on the Modify Particle tab, and then on Modify Parameters.

When we preview the particle, we see that all the values remain constant. So let's put a check mark in the used keyframe box. Now we can click on each individual setting. And by adding keyframes, we can change the values for each parameter with the keyframes.

And now when we preview our changes, we can see the values automatically change, as they reach each keyframe.

Key frames - they's the key to fully customizing your productions. Explore and experiment so you can add that special customized touch to your projects.

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Hello, dude or dudette! What's up? I'm Constantin and I enjoy shooting and editing videos. And I like to brag too. Because I'm modest! This site consists of tutorials and tips specifically created for people who are starting to edit videos. If that's you then I'm happy to help. You can learn more about me here.